Near the beginning and
all throughout this semester I instantly started learning about community and
the body of Christ and what this looks like in practice. How God works in
individuals differently, but is the same God! We are all given different gifts
and roles in order to edify and encourage the church as a whole! God has
designed us to live in community and relationship with other Christian brothers
and sisters. I realized that this is what I have been missing! Before I came
here I went to university for a year. This year was a hard one for me. While
going to school, I worked at Starbucks. So pretty much, I was either at school,
at work, or studying. When I did have time off, I was too exhausted to do
anything. I was emotionally exhausted and had no time to get involved in my
church or really have much of a social life. Coming here, God taught me so much
about my huge desire to be with people and to be in community. I learned and am
still learning about putting others first, being sensitive to other’s needs and
looking for ways to serve people and reach them where they are. Before I came
here, I thought I could do it on my own. I didn’t know what was missing. I
thought that God was okay with me just praying with him on my own and trying my
best to find time for him in between my crazy schedule. How wrong was that! As
much as I am quiet and a little introverted, I really do desire to just be with
people. The contrast of my growth and joy and peace here and at home, is an
insane one! I know that being able to focus on God and not have to work is part
of that, but being and serving with community is the whole life of a Christian!
The things that God calls us to - to live in righteousness, to be patient,
kind, self-controlled, to put other’s above yourself, to serve like other’s
served... all these things affect other people! Therefore, we NEED other people
in order to cultivate these things, in order for God to continue to sanctify us
and mold us into the holy priesthood that we are to be. I know that all we need
is God, but God chooses and desires for us to dwell in community and to use the
unity and sharing that occurs there in order to teach us and help us grow. When
I go home, I will make the choice to seek out community and to put getting
involved at my church as a top priority. I will continue to seek the needs of
others’ around me above my own. I won’t see my life as my own, but rather for
God first, other’s next, and me last.